DEFYING GOVT ORDERS, KARNAL FARMERS BEGIN PADDY SOWING

KARNAL: Farmers in several villages of Karnal have started transplantation of paddy, defying government orders that prohibit sowing of the water-guzzling crop before June 15.

As per the reports, farmers were seen pumping out groundwater and flooding their fields in Samora, Ramba, Salaru, Sangoha, Sangohi, Darar, Churni and Bibipur villages of Indri block in district in lack of action by authorities.

On why they were defying government orders, the farmers said they are sowing PB 1509 Basmati variety which takes only three months for harvest and they will get enough time to grow vegetables. Thus, they can grow three-four crops per year.

Advanced sowing has also exposed negligence on part of ground-level officials as these farmers have also violated the Haryana Preservation of Subsoil Water Act by preparing nursery beds before May 15. A nursery takes 25 to 30 days before the saplings are ready for transplantation.

Farmers take advantage of poor law under which there is a provision to impose a fine of Rs 10,000 per hectare or Rs 4,000 per acre if farmers advance transplantation before June 15.

“We are not worried about action or notices as they impose a fine of Rs 4,000 per acre. On the other hand, we will be able to grow coriander or radish, which will easily earn us Rs 40,000-50,000 from one acre,” said a paddy grower from Indri village without disclosing his name.

According to farmers, another reason behind early sowing of paddy is that currently Basmati varieties of paddy are now being sold at around Rs 4,000 per quintal and they will get good prices if the crop is harvested in August and September.